Neptunea tabulata (Baird, 1863) - tabled neptune snail (apertural view) (public display, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, Sanibel Island, Florida, USA)

The gastropods (snails & slugs) are a group of molluscs that occupy marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Most gastropods have a calcareous external shell (the snails). Some lack a shell completely, or have reduced internal shells (the slugs & sea slugs & pteropods). Most members of the Gastropoda are marine. Most marine snails are herbivores (algae grazers) or predators/carnivores.

The tabled neptune snail shown above is part of the Oregonian Province: "The cool-water Oregonian Province along the Pacific Northwest Coast lies between the frigid Aleutian Province of Alaska and the warmer Southern Californian and Panamic Provinces. Because of harsh coastal conditions, most gastropods do not do well here. Bivalves at quieter depths predominate. The shells are fewer in kinds, lacking the bright colors, but occur in great numbers." [info. from museum signage]

Classification: Animalia, Mollusca, Gastropoda, Neogastropoda, Buccinidae